I am planning on driving my pony from AZ to TX. The only radar protectio I have is an old "Lazer" brand name radar detector. I know I should just buy a new one, but money is really tight right now.

Should a 12+ years radar detector offer some protection on open highway in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas ? or should I just throw it away ?

 

It'l work, question is will it be sensitive enough to warn you ahead of time. Of course nothing can protect you from a radar gun that gets pointed at you at the last second.

 

It should be OK. Even though they have the laser and instant on, most of the time, mine goes off on K and Ka.

 

Your eyes are your best protection. Keep them peeled and look for the marked cars, unmarks or the DPS with no light bars are hard to spot but the push bars stand out some. Watch the overpasses, they sit underneath them on I-40 alot and sometimes sit halfway down the onramp on the backside. Watch the construction zones in Arizona, almost always a DPS at both ends.

Those are things you probably know. As for the detector, I think your range will be drastically reduced. That will increase the need to keep your eyes open. I have a Valentine1 and cant imagine going back to a "regular" detector that just beeps. Once you get used to the arrows that show where the radar is coming from, you can never go back. I would highly recommend a Valentine as I have not had a ticket since I have owned it and I speed quite a bit on the interstate.

Have a safe trip.
John

 

I've been wondering the same thing since I have a 12+ y/o Bel. IMO, I think it'll still pick up K and Ka just fine except you'd have to not get complacent. I've been looking at newer units but, like you stated, money is tight and I'm planning on putting a chunk down on a CAI and tune in the next few weeks (at which time I'll NEED a new detector 'cuz I'll probably be smokin' the road more... How's that for ironic?).

Everyone have a great Labor Day weekend and B-safe!

Rick
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Radar detectors do ware out, expecially if you leave it in the sun. I wouldn't put 100% trust into it if I was you. It may offer a bit of protection but at 12 years old it is time for an upgrade. When you replace it be sure to take it out of the car when ever it is a hot day or you are parked in the sun.

 

Won't be much help! It's a beautiful drive, so just sit the cruise control +5mph over the speed limit and enjoy the sights!! I went from LA-Maine in 1990 Formula Firebird and absolutely loved thescenery (except Kansas/Oklahoma).

 

Yep, that would be me. Typically 5 MPH over the limit, 10 MPHweather and conditions permitting, and I'm usually the slowest "geezer" on the road. It's just nice to know what's up ahead. I've put over 6,000 miles on the Stang in less than 3 months, 90% highway, plus a trip to Chicago beginning tonight, so a new detector would be... usefull. Plus, I LOVE TOYS and a new radar detector is like a new mod!

Rick
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My personal feeling - It will give you a false sense of security. You're better off placing it on the ground, backing up over it, and driving with the flow of traffic. If people start to slow down suddenly, follow the pack.

 

You missed out then. The Grand Lake area in Northeastern OK is real pretty. In Kansas, you missed out on the best fried chicken in the world. In Pittsburg Kansas, a place that has been there for 50 years in called Chicken Annies. Just down the street is Chicken Mary's, a disgruntled relative that stole the recipe. Killer. Just killer. And if you go through Kansas City, on the Missouri side is Gates BBQ. They have many locations in the city. They know their BBQ.